Celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa with food, community, and creativity.
In the season two premiere of the HBO comedy Insecure, Issa Dee is spiraling out from a break up with her long term boyfriend. She devises a scheme to get him to come see her, then practices how she‘ll act in the event he does. She tries out several different personas, speeches, and outfits in front of her bedroom mirror.
“This reminds me of the fifth day of Kwanzaa. Oobija. Ilani. Booyakasha.”
—Insecure, S2 Ep1
The joke is twofold.
One: Issa is invoking the principles of Kwanzaa to get her boyfriend back.
Two: she doesn’t know what the principles of Kwanzaa are, so she spews some vaguely African-sounding words that she thinks could be related to Kwanzaa.
Even though Kwanzaa is a holiday that was created by an African-American for African-Americans, it’s often the case that African-Americans can’t rattle off the meaning, origins, or principles of Kwanzaa at the drop of a hat. That’s okay. We got you. Keep reading for your guide to all things Kwanzaa.
The Origins of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa was created by professor Maulana Karenga to unite and empower the African American community in the wake of the Watts Rebellion. It’s modeled after African harvest traditions and provides African Americans a way to honor the culture and heritage that was ripped away from them during the slave trade. Kwanzaa runs for seven days, from December 26th through January 1st. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili expression matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits of the harvest.” First celebrated in 1966, it’s now estimated that 30 million people worldwide celebrate Kwanzaa.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is based on seven principles, one for each day of the holiday.
Umoja: Unity
Kujichagulia: Self-determination
Ujima: Collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa: Cooperative economics
Nia: Purpose
Kuumba: Creativity
Imani: Faith
The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
Seven symbols represent the principles honored during the holiday.
Mazao: Crops, symbolizing a community harvest. Anything grown from the earth’s soil can represent a crop.
Mkeka: Mat, symbolizing the foundation of the past to build lives in the present.
Muhindi: Corn, symbolizing fertility and family.
Kinara: Candleholder, the most recognizable icon of Kwanzaa, symbolizing ancestry. It holds three red candles, three green candles, and one black candle. Some online Black owned businesses selling Kinaras: The Black Art Depot and It’s a Black Thang.
Mishumaa Saba: Seven candles, symbolizing the sun’s power to return after the darkness of winter. The colors are from the Pan-African flag: red (the struggle), black (the people), and green (the future). The candles are placed in the Kinara.
Kikombe Cha Umoja: Unity cup, used to pour liquid honoring the ancestors and for communal drinking. It’s typically displayed with the Kinara.
Zawadi: Gifts, given on the seventh day of Kwanzaa.
Ways to Celebrate Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a holiday that anybody can celebrate, not just African Americans. Read on for some ways to honor this holiday.
Meals
Meals play an important role in Kwanzaa celebrations. The sixth day of Kwanzaa, December 31st, is marked with Kurama, the large feast. Meals are a great way to explore and enjoy various African-American, African, Caribbean, and South American dishes. Mac and cheese, anyone?
Light a candle each day to highlight that day’s Kwanzaa principle. Breathe meaning into the principles by reciting words or poetry by your favorite African American writer, leader, or activist.
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved holiday classic, and has deep roots in the African American cooking tradition.
Macaroni and cheese is one of many popular holiday dishes that has ties to enslaved Black peoples who adapted their customs from West Africa and experiences in America to their cooking traditions.
Jessica B. Harris’s book High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from African to America delves into the African influences of American food. In 2021, Netflix adapted the book into a popular show called High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America. This four-part series brings the African American culinary journey to life. The show’s host, Stephen Satterfield, travels to Benin, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, and Texas. He talks to writers, historians, chefs, restaurateurs, and cowboys about the history and influence of African American customs and adaptations on American cuisine.
The book and the Netflix show tell the story of one of America’s founding Black chefs, James Hemings. James Hemings, brother of Sally Hemings, was the enslaved head chef at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Jefferson took Hemings with him on his trips to France, where Hemings apprenticed to chefs in Paris. Upon their return to America, Hemings brought back the techniques and recipes he learned abroad and implemented them in Jefferson’s home. His dishes became popular due to all the formal dinners Jefferson hosted.
Though very few recipes have been attributed in writing to Hemings, it’s believed that many of Martha Jefferson’s recipes had to have come from the kitchen of the head chef.
After James Hemings gained his freedom, and Jefferson became president, Jefferson tried to bring Hemings on as the White House chef. Unfortunately, Hemings passed away before this could happen. But his legacy lives on in the dishes he helped make American classics. One of those dishes was macaroni and cheese, called macaroni pie back then. Six months before his death, Jefferson had bought several pounds of raw macaroni. Mac and cheese was a well loved dish at Monticello!
Cook macaroni in boiling salted water. Boil uncovered for 20 or 30 minutes, then drain. Fill a buttered baking dish with alternate layers of macaroni and grated cheese, sprinkling pepper, salt, and melted butter over each layer. Have top layer of cheese, moisten with rich milk, bake in moderate oven until a rich brown.
Alternate version from High on the Hog Netflix show:
Cook the macaroni in half water, half milk. Alternate layers of macaroni, chunks of butter, and shredded cheese.
New Mexico performers will be on stage in the Santa Fe Opera world premiere of “This Little Light of Mine” — the story of Fannie Lou Hamer. NMBLC has your free tickets and transportation to the show!
The Santa Fe Opera and Opera for All Voices presents “This Little Light of Mine” at the Lensic. This show dramatizes the story of Fannie Lou Hamer, a former sharecropper who rose to national prominence at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. The story centers on Hamer’s appeal to the Convention’s Credentials Committee to replace Mississippi’s all-white delegation with that of the interracial Freedom Democratic Party.
Twelve New Mexico vocalists, under the direction of Dr. Stevie Springer, will be on stage participating in the world premiere of this momentous performance, including Dr. Finnie Coleman, Gene Corbin, Lowell Burton, and Toni Morgan.
The Lensic Performing Arts Center is collaborating with the New Mexico Black Leadership Council to get Albuquerque folks to “This Little Light of Mine”. We have free tickets and transportation from Albuquerque to the Lensic for the show on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Read on for more details.
Santa Fe Opera “This Little Light of Mine” Event Details
When: Friday, October 28, 2022, 7pm Saturday, October 29, 2022, 7pm Sunday, October 30, 2022, 2pm
Where: Lensic Performing Arts Center at 211 W. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
Regular ticket price: $25. Free tickets to Saturday’s show are available from NMBLC – details below. To get your own tickets to the show on the performance day of your choice, go through the Lensic Box Office at 505-988-1234 or online. Keep reading for information on the free tickets for the Saturday show!
Special NMBLC package including free tickets and transportation to “This Little Light of Mine”
NMBLC has a reserved set of fifty (50) free tickets and bus transportation from Albuquerque to the Lensic for the show on Saturday, October 29, 2022. This deal is for the Saturday show only. Transportation is first come, first served. As part of this special Saturday package, attendees will have the chance to meet Fannie Lou Hamer’s daughter and great-niece at a reception before the show! Food is provided at the reception.
Busdeparture time is 2:30pm, so plan to show up between 2:15 – 2:30pm.
Bus departure place is First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
Questions about the special package including free tickets to the Saturday performance of “This Little Light of Mine”? Contact NMBLC at 505-407-6784 or info@nmblc.org
University of New Mexico celebrates the start of the new academic year with UNM Welcome Back Days.
The University of New Mexico kicks off Welcome Back Days on Friday, August 19, 2022. The fun-filled week of activities runs through the following Friday, August 26. Keep reading for a rundown of the events at UNM welcoming new and returning students.
Friday Night Live
When: Friday, August 19, 7–10pm
Where: Student Union Building
Activities planned are casino games, photo booths, henna tattoos, karaoke, laser tag, Lobo teams, dance, and free food every half hour.
Class Crawl Campus Tour
When: Sunday, August 21, 2022, 5pm
Where:Cornell Mall
First-year students have the chance to print out class schedules and get help finding their classes on a campus tour. The starting point is outside on the Mall north of the Student Union Building. The tour starts after the Freshman Convocation.
Movie on the Field
When: Sunday, August 21, 8pm
Where: Johnson Field
The summer hit Top Gun Maverick will be shown outside on Johnson Field starting at 8:00 pm.
President’s Ice Cream Social & Departmental Information Day
When: Monday, August 22, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
Students can start the first week of classes with ice cream served by UNM President Stokes and University Administrators. Booths will be set up with information about campus programs, services and resources. The ice cream and live music start at noon.
Safety, Health, Wellness and Recreation Day
When: Tuesday, August 23, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond and SUB Mall
The Safety, Health, Wellness and Recreation departments are giving safety demos, hosting recreational activities and discussing healthy living alternatives. Free watermelon sponsored by UNM Children’s Campus will be given out at noon. Live music starts at noon.
UNM Communities Day
When: Wednesday, August 24, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
UNM’s Ethnic, Black/African American, Women’s, Veteran, and LGTBQ Centers along with other culturally-based and student organizations will be on deck talking about their programs. Live performances start at noon. Free green chile stew and Pepsi products will be available starting at noon until gone.
North Campus Welcome Back Day
When: Wednesday, August 24, 11am–2pm
Where: Lawn Southeast of Domenici Center
The North Campus Welcome Back is held at the lawn just southeast of Domenici Center along Marble Ave. Information booths will be set up and free watermelon and free Pepsi products will be given out until gone.
Student Organization Day
When: Thursday, August 25, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
ASUNM Student Government leaders and 200 student organizations, including African American Student Services, will be represented to talk about all the great ways to get involved with communities on campus. There’ll be live music from 12–1pm. Free Pepsi and Dion’s Pizza will be given out starting at noon until gone.
African American Student Services Welcome Back BBQ
When: Thursday, August 25, 5pm
Where: Mesa Vista Courtyard
African American Student Services is back with their Welcome Back BBQ. Activities feature food, a live DJ, and a step show! This is also an opportunity to learn about campus resources and make community connections.
Campus Employment and Community Service Day
When: Friday, August 26, 10am–2pm
Where: Duck Pond
University departments will be on site hiring students for work study and student employment positions. Community organizations will be recruiting volunteers. The UNM Alumni Association will serve free coffee and donuts from 9am until gone, and free Pepsi products will be served over the noon hour. There’ll also be live music from 12–1pm.
Congratulations to all the new and returning college students!
NMBLC’s Roots Summer Leadership Academy Class of 2022 celebrates its 10 year anniversary.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of NMBLC’s youth summer camp program, Roots Summer Leadership Academy (RSLA). The 2022 RSLA ran for three weeks in July, from the 10th through the 29th. This year, the arts and science based camp returned to the First Unitarian Church for the first time since the pandemic. RSLA utilizes visual arts, movement, voice, and drama to teach STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math) skills. At the same time, students learn social-emotional concepts to help them thrive in everything they do.
Watch the Roots Summer Leadership Academy sizzle reel for RSLA class of 2022.
The theme for this year’s camp was Sawubona. Sawubona is an ancient greeting in Zulu culture that means “I see you seeing me.”
Learn about the full meaning of Sawubona in the video below.
The 2022 RSLA Camp concluded with a Harambee celebration on Friday, July 29th, at the First Unitarian Church. The Albuquerque Journal featured this year’s Harambee in their Bright Spot series.
“It was amazing. I met a lot of new people, I got to learn new things, and art, and dance styles.”
— Josaiah Thompson. Source: The Albuquerque Journal.
Check out the photo gallery of all the fun at Roots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 .
Roots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Cliffs FiveRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 ClassRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Two Buddies ShirtsRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Cliffs TwoRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Two SmilesRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Cliffs ThreeRoots Summer Leadership Academy 2022 Group
Read the article on the Roots Summer Leadership Academy Harambee in the Albuquerque Journal:
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council visited the new International District Library. Read more for all the great resources available for free with a library card.
The International District has a new public library! The International District Library is located on Central, east of Louisiana Blvd, in Southeast Albuquerque. For those of us who remember, it sits where the old Caravan East nightclub used to be.
Address: 7601 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-768-4970
The new library is a great addition to the Southeast Heights. This part of Albuquerque is one of the most populated, yet had been served by one of the smallest library branches, the San Pedro Library. The new International District Library is 25,000 square feet. Its gorgeous and contemporary design was crafted by RMKM Architects. RMKM took input from folks at town halls and worked with Library staff and the City Architect to shape the final design. The result is a spacious and inviting multi-space building with lots of light and color.
International District Library Outdoor Garden and Seating
The main section of the library has 29 computers for the public to use, plus additional computers in the young adult and children’s areas. Study rooms and a conference room that seats up to ten can be reserved by the public via a library card. The first ever Multi-Gen Room is available for reservation and can host computer and language classes, adult literacy programs, and job training. The Jewell Community Room, named for civil and social justice leaders Bobbie and Tommie Jewell, holds up to 150 people. It can be booked by the community for a variety of activities. It’s especially great for dance rehearsals and performances, in honor of the Caravan East Nightclub. All reservations require an active library card.
International District Library Multi-Gen RoomJewell Community Room SignInternational District Library Community Room
The reading room is available for people to set up their laptops and work in quiet. The #youngadult room is perfect for doing homework and conducting group projects. In the children’s area, kids can read books, play with various games and learning activities, or listen to story time.
International District Library Reading RoomShelf in Young Adult Room at International District LibraryInternational District Library Children’s Room
The library encourages people to just kick back and relax. Cafe style seating is paired with an indoor hydroponic garden. Outside is another green seating area. An outdoor plaza will hold performances closer to the fall when the weather cools down.
International District Library Front Seating AreaInternational District Library Outdoor GardenInternational District Library View of Plaza from Inside
There’s even virtual reality equipment that will be used for upcoming gaming programs.
The new library’s hours are
Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00pm Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00pm.
People lined up outside the door on the day of the library ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 9, 2022. The new library is a project that has been in the works since the early 2000s. Area manager Florence Sablan said that people are excited to have a beautiful place to come in and use the computer or read a newspaper. She said that during construction, people from the neighborhood would come up and say thank you for taking a chance on this location.
Libraries are one of the few safe spaces that are open to everybody.
—Florence Sablan, IDL Area Manager
The International District Library and all the other public libraries offer so many free resources and activities. All you need is your library card. With your library card, you can check out books and ebooks, listen to audiobooks, and jam out to music. You can use one of their computers, complete with internet access, for free. Also available are computer and tech classes, online video tutorials on several subjects, and free activities for kids and adults. Visit the new International Library and start putting your library card to good use.
First, get your library card
You’ll have access to all of the library resources with your library card. Library cards are free. To get your library card, complete the library card application and take it into your nearest library branch. Bring your current photo I.D. and proof of your mailing address. Head to the information desk and say you’re applying for your library card. Once your application is processed, you can start using your library card right away.
Check out books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and music for FREE with your library card.
With your library card, you can borrow books, music, audiobooks, movies, and more at any public library location. If the book you’re looking for is in the library catalog but not at your nearest branch, request it through Interlibrary loan and it’ll be sent to the library nearest you. If the book you want is already checked out to another library card user, put it on hold so that you’ll be in line for the next available copy.
When you first sign in to any of the apps, you’ll be asked to enter your library information. Select “Library or Group” and “Albuquerque Bernalillo Public Library.” Enter your library card number and PIN, check the boxes, and you’re in!
Use a computer and internet for free
The ABQ public library branches have computers available to the public for use free of charge. All you need is your library card and PIN. Free Wi-Fi, Microsoft Office, electronic databases, and LinkedIn Learning are on deck as well. Check with the information desk for help the first time you go in to use one of the computers.
International District Library Young Adult Room with Computers
Take computer classes
Anyone with a library card can take free computer classes and/or get one-on-one computer help. Call to make an appointment or register for one of the upcoming classes.
Learn how to do stuff with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online video tutorial-based continuing education platform. Many companies and corporations buy agreements with LinkedIn Learning to make the courses available to their employees. With your ABQ library card, you can access these tutorials for free! Subjects include marketing, grammar and writing, photography, social media, project management, web design, and more. Go to the link, enter your library card details, and start exploring.
The ABQ libraries website houses several online databases to help you with your research, whether it’s for a school paper, a manuscript, or a work project. Browse Encyclopedia Britannica, the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Consumer Reports, national newspapers like the Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal, and much more. This wealth of information is at your fingertips with your library card.
In addition to all of the online databases, use the LearningExpress Library for online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books for people of all ages. High school studies, college prep, career prep, and more are available on LearningExpress.
For K-5, the New Mexico State LIbrary offers Gale Info Bits. Short, easy-to-read articles on all kinds of subjects range from arts to sciences to geography.
International District Library Kids Area
Take part in the Summer Reading Program
This year’s summer reading program runs through July 30, 2022. All ages can participate. Register at a local branch or online and start logging your reading time. Audiobooks count, too! Enter the weekly drawing for prizes.
Search for royalty free images
The library is another source for free images to use in your event flyers, presentations, papers, blogs, mood boards, whatever. Image sources include British Library, DK Images, Getty Images, and National Geographic. To browse and download images, log in with your library card details.
Dig into your family lineage
The main branch of the ABQ public library holds the genealogy center. It has 12 public computers with Internet access for research into your family history. Library staff can help you get started. You can also register for free online classes taught by local experts in genealogy.
Reserve a meeting room
Do you need a place for your group to meet? Book one of the rooms at the public library. They have conference rooms for small groups and individual study. Reserve a room using your library card.
There are so many things you can do with your library card. A daily visit to the home page of ABQlibrary.org displays new and current events, courses, and resources. You can check out a free concert series, learn a new language, and download an ebook. There’s something for everyone at the public library. If you don’t already have your library card, apply for yours. And if your current library card is stuck in a drawer somewhere, dust it off and start using it now!
International District Library Front Entrance
Shannon Moreau is the editor for the NMBLC EQ Blog.
Black and AAPINH Youth Explore Transgenerational Trauma at the 2022 True NM Art Exhibit.
The New Mexico Black Leadership Council and the New Mexico Asian Family Center hosted the True NM art show on May 28th, 2022. True NM is an anti-racism art initiative collaboration launched by NMBLC and NMAFC in 2021. The art is the work of youth who self-identify as Black and/or AAPINH heritage. This year’s exhibit, titled “Outside the Shell” is based on a quote by Zora Neale Hurston:
“The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.”
— Zora Neale Hurston
Family, friends, community members, and city press attended the vibrant event at the NMBLC headquarters on a Saturday afternoon. The artists, ranging in age from 13 to 23, were on deck to talk about their art pieces with guests. LeeCooks Church, a Black-owned business out of Taos, made the trip down to cater the event with a delicious and vegan-friendly spread.
The art on installation in “Outside the Shell” displayed a wide variety of mediums. Everything from acrylic, mixed media, sculpture, collage, animation, and video were represented. The inspiration for the art began with the desire to break apart the tri-cultural myth: that New Mexico is an ideal, harmonious blend of Anglo, Hispanic, and Indigenous people. Missing from this picture is the presence of Black/African American and Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) communities. The True NM anti-racism initiative asks young artists to explore the question “What’s your True New Mexican story?” Their answers included themes of identity, family, colorism, societal pressure, racist violence, and transgenerational trauma.
Transgenerational trauma (also called intergenerational trauma) is defined as the ways that adversity experienced by our ancestors gets passed down through generations on a physical, behavioral, emotional, psychological, and cellular level. Jurnee Smollett, co-star of HBO’s Lovecraft Country, referred to this as “blood memory.”
True NM artist Prajeeta Dahal, in describing her painting, said that transgenerational trauma affects a person whether they are aware of it or not. Ané Careaga-Coleman, in their video essay, illustrates how the anime series Fruits Basket helped them understand and deal with this phenomenon in their own life. It’s through this deepening awareness that one can begin to examine and interrupt the detrimental effects of the pain from our parents, and their parents, that impact us to this day. Exploration through artistic expression is one of the ways we can begin to transform our lives and create a thriving legacy for future generations.
Check out the photo gallery from the True NM “Outside the Shell” art exhibit event below. Click on a photo to view it full size in a new window.
True NM Artist Floretta StewartTrue NM Artist Duc PhamTrue NM Artist Prajeeta DahalTrue NM 2022 Hasti PannahTrue NM Artist Isa FigueroaTrue NM Artist Kai WarriorTrue NM Artist Asmi BhandariTrue NM Artist Lumina Tami (Not in Person)True NM Artist Lujayn Ghweir (Not in Person)True NM Artist Anna ShibuyaTrue NM Artist Ané Careaga-ColemanArtists with Their Work at the True New Mexico Event at NMBLC May 28, 2022. Photos credit: Shannon Moreau.
Watch coverage of the True NM “Outside the Shell” art exhibit event from KOAT.
The project was made possible by funds received by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund through an Anti-Racism Response Network Grant and the New Mexico Humanities Council.
Shannon Moreau is the Editor for the NMBLC EQ Blog
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing Juneteenth as a US national holiday. On May 14, 2022, a White man executed a planned act of racist mass murder, gunning down patrons at a Tops grocery store in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, NY. In proximity to the Juneteenth holiday, it’s challenging to reconcile these two events. The first commemorates the end of the institution of slavery in America. The second illustrates, in literal blood and tears, the legacy of racial oppression and terrorization that still pervades this country. Contradiction is discomforting, yet contradiction is inherent in the founding principles of this country. The Declaration of Independence extols the idea that humans have the right to life and liberty but at the time of its writing, the slave trade thrived. American slavery’s eventual demise was due to the resistance of Black people–through revolt, escape, and organizing for abolition. Enslaved African-Americans knew the ideal of freedom applied to all. Their desire for life and liberty burned bright and they utilized what they had–mind, body, and soul–to achieve it.
Juneteenth celebrates the strengths and contributions of African-Americans. A guiding principle of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council is assets-based community development. This approach elevates strengths rather than focusing on supposed deficiency. The aim is to find existing resources, then build upon them by developing multiculturalism and cultivating partnerships that support Black communities.
Juneteenth is an example of multicultural development. It can be tempting, however, to view the holiday as an opportunity to check off the anti-racism box or capitalize on it for self-serving purposes. Walmart’s “Juneteenth” ice cream debacle is a prime example. Maybe if Walmart had planned to donate the profits to organizations advocating for the end of racial oppression, their new product line would have gone over better. Or they could have instead focused on boosting the visibility of Creamalicious, an ice cream made by a Black owned business. We can learn from the mistake of a multi-billion dollar corporation; we can support a Black-owned business not to check a box, but to appreciate the value of its products and services. We can and should celebrate Juneteenth because of, and in spite of, the horrific acts of violence still occurring in the United States and the world. By meeting new people and broadening our social and community spheres, we can challenge the idea that it’s okay to target and oppress any race of people. Understand what Juneteenth represents and stoke the fire for liberty and justice for all. When we expand our worldview and open our hearts and minds, the possibility for true and inclusive social justice follows.
Shannon Moreau is the Editor for the NMBLC EQ Blog
Juneteenth celebrations in New Mexico
Albuquerque
The City of Rio Rancho and the NAACP Rio Rancho branch are hosting Juneteenth Freedom Day Event at Campus Park Friday, June 17th, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. More at www.facebook.com/events/1659084574460850/
Albuquerque community organizers are hosting Juneteenth on Civic Plaza Saturday, June 18th, 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM and Sunday, June 19th, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM. More at www.nmjuneteenth.com
Southwest Save the Kids and Building Power for Black New Mexico are hosting People’s Juneteenth in Roosevelt Park Saturday, June 18th, 4 PM – 9 PM. More at www.facebook.com/events/1020370628591037
A Pre-Juneteenth R&B Kickback is happening at Frank’s Chicken and Waffles Saturday, June 18th, 8:00PM – Midnight. More at https://www.thesyndicateabq.com/
Dona Ana County NAACP is hosting a Juneteenth banquet and Juneteenth 2022 Weekend with the Jazz Cultural Series at Downtown Plaza. More at https://naacpdac.org/juneteenth-2/
“The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.”
— Zora Neale Hurston
The vision behind True NM is to deconstruct the tri-cultural myth: that New Mexico is a place where Hispanics, Indigenous, and Anglo people live together in harmony. The problems with this myth is that it ignores ongoing racism and erases the experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) and Black people in New Mexico. The True NM project consists of youth artists from the Black and AAPINH communities. Their artwork answers the prompt, “What’s your True New Mexican story?”
Join us Saturday, May 28th, 2022 for the “Outside the Shell” art exhibit. The show runs from 1:00 to 3:00PM and takes place at the NMBLC office in the heart of the International District of Albuquerque: 1258 Ortiz Dr. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
Ane Careaga-Coleman“Fruits Basket” by Ane Careaga-ColemanAnna ShibuyaBarbed wire, clay, beads by Anna ShibuyaAsmi BhandariSculpture by Asmi BhandariDuc Pham3D Animation by Duc PhamFloretta StewartOil Painting by Floretta StewartHasti PannahArt by Hasti PannahIsa FigueroaAcrylic paint, Posca Marker, Prismacolor by Isa FigueroaKai WarriorArt by Kai WarriorLujayn GhweirArt by Lujayn GhweirLumina TamiArt by Lumina TamiPrajeeta DahalArt by Prajeeta Dahal
The project was made possible by funds received by the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund through an Anti-Racism Response Network Grant and the New Mexico Humanities Council.
“Love isn’t about what we did yesterday; it’s about what we do today and tomorrow and the day after.”
The 6th annual One New Mexico Gospel Concert brings together people of all colors and faiths to enjoy music guaranteed to raise the spirit. Join us Sunday, May 15, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque for an amazing lineup of New Mexico gospel singers and musicians. The concert features special guests from Las Vegas, NV, world-class New Mexico female vocalists, and the One New Mexico Gospel Interfaith Choir led by Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer.
Toni Morgan has sung with many talented artists around the world, including the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight, Anthony Hamilton, Sandra Crouch, and Darryl Coley. She recently released her very first single, “Jesus Help Me.” Like so many other gospel singers, her mother had her belting in church at an early age. In 2013, Toni moved to New Mexico from Fort Collins, Colorado. She loves the Lord and continues to share her gift with those who enjoy the sounds of music.
Toni Morgan performing “Summertime”
Pat Brown – Featured Soloist, New Mexico
Pat Brown is a gifted songstress who has performed throughout the United States. She is a member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Albuquerque and is a wife and mother of two. In 1993, Pat was part of the choir that sang “The City on the Hill” as the inaugural anthem for President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. She’s shared the stage with Grammy Award-winning artists Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Judy Collins, and Michael Bolton. She’s performed numerous times at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Pat’s vocal abilities landed her the lead role of Effie White in the local production of the hit musical Dreamgirls, performed at the African American Performing Arts Center. She has also sung at the New Mexico State Fair, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, and the Albuquerque Isotopes’ home games.
Aleena Sedillo – Featured Soloist, New Mexico
Aleena Sedillo has been singing on stage and in church for 16 years. She serves on the Legacy Church worship team with her husband. Aleena was the winner of the first annual Omega Psi Phi Fraternity talent competition and went on to win third place when she competed regionally.
Aretha Harden – Special Guest, Soloist, Las Vegas, Nevada
Aretha Harden started her gospel career at six years old at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church when no one else volunteered to lead a song. She began touring with the gospel group Futrell, opening for the likes of Yolanda Adams and Commissioned. Later, she opened concerts for Brian Duncan, Darryl Coley, and the DynamicTwins. Born in 1971 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Aretha has had the pleasure of opening several shows back in her hometown at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues Gospel Brunch.
Aretha Hardin performs “I Love You Lord”
Joseph C. Pigee – Special Guest, Musical Director, Keyboards
Joseph C. Pigee began his musical journey in Grenada, Mississippi at the age of four, when he began playing drums. By the age of 13 he had taken up the keyboard. He strengthened his musical training as the church musician for his father’s churches in Mississippi. He is a well-regarded pianist, organist, keyboardist, director, producer, and writer. He has played with renowned gospel artists such as Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kim Burrell, and Marvin Sapp.
Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer & the One New Mexico Gospel Concert Band
Choral Director Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer is a native of New York City by way of Texas and now resides in New Mexico. He is president/CEO of a nonprofit scholarship program and former chef/owner of Chez Axel French restaurant. Dr. Springer earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Huston-Tillotson University, a Masters in Music from the University of New Mexico, a PhD in Business, and Medical PhD in science from the University of the Southwest with a focus in chronic pain and occupational therapy. He currently hosts “Wise and Well with Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer” on KRQE/Fox’s New Mexico Living. Dr. Springer has served as an educator in New Mexico since 2000. He continues to serve his Albuquerque community by creating opportunities for youth and adults to expose their musical talent. He has a private music academy, teaching voice and piano to learners of all levels. Dr. Springer is a music professor at the University of New Mexico and former APS music educator and has adjudicated many festivals and competitions around the state and the nation. He’s taught in New York at the Harlem School of Music, has appeared on Broadway, and performed at Carnegie Hall.
One New Mexico Gospel Concert Band
Stephen Williams Guitar
Charles Reinke Piano
Lemuel D. Williams Drums
Artha Meadors Bass
“Gospel is a universal language and Black music is how African Americans got through the most difficult times in our history. It’s what brought us over trial and tribulation, and it’s how we give thanks in all things.”
— Cathryn McGill, Founder/Director, NMBLC
Register to Attend the FREE One New Mexico Gospel Concert
